Nov 15 My favourite new openings of 2016

My favourite new openings of 2016

Happy Tuesday! I'm working on a new look and style for The Glasgow Food Blog so you'll have to bear with me while I make a few changes. A lot has changed recently – we (finally!) got a puppy, I've finished up working at Yelp Glasgow and now am planning for what comes next. I'll be writing a lot more regularly now though, so if there's something you want to read about, just let me know.

As it's November and we're all wishing 2016 would just hurry up and piss off, I thought I'd write about some of the brand new food/drink places which opened this year in case you've missed them. Here's a few of my favs...

For Fika Sake is a lovely cafe just off Dumbarton Road opposite Hyndland Street. I'd say this is one of my most-visited new openings of 2016 as it's just the perfect space for relaxing, enjoying coffee and delicious food while getting some work done. The staff are all super welcoming and the Scandinavian-inspired food is delicious. They also have scrumptious bakes from Freedom Bakery.

Love beer? Then you're going to want to head to Grunting Growler. I think it's a bit simplistic to call this place an off-licence when it's really so much more than that. Sure, they have bottled/canned beer, but they also do take-home craft beer fresh from the tap. Jehad who runs the shop is one of the most passionate, friendly people I've met, so don't feel intimidated about visiting. He'll be able to help you find something you'll love.

Greek food is a little under-represented in Glasgow so it's nice to see a new place popping up where Le Bistro Beaumartin was. The makeover is impressive and the food is dreamy – so much so, you could forget you're in Glasgow and feel like you've had a mini holiday after visiting. I love that the dishes are sharing-plate size so you can try more of the menu – the chicken souvlaki and the halloumi are my must-try dishes.

I love Hippo Beers on Queen Margaret Drive (also closed down), and now the guys have opened a beer bar on Sauchiehall Street (where Cocktail & Burger used to be). I was pretty drunk when I visited so my memories are not all that sharp, but I do know that they have a great selection of beers. This place is practically an oasis in the wasteland of Sauchiehall Street so if you're looking for something interesting to drink, head here.

Opened by the folks behind Cubatas, Horn Please is an Indian restaurant doing modern food unlike anything I've seen in Glasgow before. Some of the menu is a bit "out there" – like bread pakora – but provided you're a bit adventurous I think you'll love it. Have a look at the menu and you'll know if it's for you.

Papercup on GWR is one of my happy places so I was so keen to see their new place on High Street. It's a great space with the same delicious coffee but different menu choices. One of my all-time favourite Glasgow dishes are the pancakes above – one big fluffy Japanese-style pancake with lush fresh fruit, mint and blueberry sugar. Absolute heaven!

It might sound like a meat-lovers heaven (and it is!) but it's also great for anyone with dietary requirements or anyone who is vegan/veggie. Like Fika, it's a great spot for working on your laptop and there's a spacious seating area out the back which is really comfortable and uplifting on a dreich day. But the best thing about this place is the food – it is seriously delicious. It's fresh, healthy and filling and I've never tried a dish I didn't like. My particular favourite is the buddha bowl which is steamed rice and then topped with the meat or veggie special of the day. The photo above is of the aubergine buddha bowl with crispy kale and chickpea stew – it was totally lush!

What a great idea – taking the traditional (out-of-date) shopping centre food court and filling it with local traders who pop up for 3 months at a time. Taste Buchanan has been open since August, and it's been great to be able to get delicious food from traders like Chompsky, Julie's Street Kitchen and Union Waffles while in town. It's worth jumping in the lift and heading up for a nosey.

Obviously there's tonnes of places I haven't been able to mention so I'd love to know where you discovered in 2016. Let me know in the comments ⬇️ or tweet me @glasgow_food!